Knowing Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) better

Posted on- Aug 31, 2015

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Otitis Externa, also known as Swimmer’s Ear, is a type of ear infection. The infection occurs in the ear canal. Because the ear canal is dark, warm, and can hold water, it makes a perfect environment for water-loving bacteria and fungus to grow.

Otitis Externa was given the name swimmer’s ear because it most commonly affects individuals who spend a lot of time in water, such as swimmers.

What are the symptoms of Otitis Externa?

Ear pain - pain that often gets worse when the outer ear is tugged or pressed on pain can become intense and spread across side of face of the affected ear

Itching inside the ear canal

Bad-smelling or coloured (yellow, yellow/green pus) oozing from the ear

First, the ear canal is examined and is cleared of any pus or drainage. Ear drops that contain an antibiotic are prescribed. Sometimes the ear canal is too narrowed or blocked to deliver ear drops by simply placing drops in the ear. When this happens, thin gauze is placed inside the ear, which helps the ear drops pass through the blockage and reach the infection. Ear drops are typically used for seven to 14 days. Oral antibiotics are rarely used for Otitis Externa.

An over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen can be taken to relieve pain and swelling. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation. Sometimes oral antibiotics are prescribed if the infection has spread beyond the ear canal.

What can possibly be done to prevent Otitis Externa?

Keep ears as dry as possible. Place a shower cap over your head to help prevent water or hair shampoo from getting into your ears. Place a cotton ball in the ear but do not push it in far. Use a dry towel to dry your ears after bathing or swimming. Use ear plugs if you play water sports or are frequently in water.

Turn your head from side to side after getting out of water. This helps water drain from your ears.

Don’t stick anything into your ear canal. This includes pens/pencils, fingers, bobby clips or cotton-tipped swabs. (Swabs should only be used to dry the outer ear.)

Don’t swim in polluted water.

Do not swallow the water you swim in.

Use a simple, homemade solution to help prevent bacteria from growing inside the ear. Mix one drop of vinegar with one drop of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and put one drop in each ear after bathing or swimming. Be sure to check with your ENT doctor first before making and using this homemade solution.

When should one see an ENT specialist?

If your ear infection has not gone away 10 to 14 days after treatment with antibiotic eardrops, you have lost your hearing, you see pus or other yellow/green oozing from your ear, or experience a worsening of any of the symptoms of swimmer’s ear, you should probably visit an ENT doctor immediately.